The extension of free primary school books for school children from September is a great boost for families in Galway, Minister of State at the Department of Education, Hildegarde Naughton, has said.
Minister Naughton said, “We are working to reduce the cost of education for families in Galway and across the country.
“I know how stressful school and college costs can be for families in Galway and we have been working over the past number of years to reduce that burden. The primary school free book scheme removes the cost of books, copybooks and workbooks for hundreds of thousands of families," said Naughton.
Nationwide, more than 563,000 pupils will benefit from this important scheme in some 3,225 schools, including 138 special schools.
The Minister said, "This year, it will be extended to families with children in secondary school too, up to Junior Cert year. We have also expanded the Hot School Meals scheme to ensure parents do not have to worry about the lunchboxes either."
The scheme means no parent will be asked to purchase any schoolbooks, workbooks, or copybooks. Funding will issue to schools this month to allow schools adequate time to prepare for the upcoming school year. Schools will also be given a grant to assist with the additional work required to implement the scheme.
Minister Naughton also revealed that there would be a reduction in college fees and an increase in the student grant.
